Help Students Prepare

Preparing for Art CollegeThe best way for a student to prepare for art college is to take as many art classes as possible. The more, the better! Obviously, students should take advantage of whatever classes are available to them at the high school. Availability of art classes can vary, and budget cuts have affected the arts in many schools.

Other options include:• Many local art musesums and art associations offer non-credit instruction at all levels to diverse age groups.

• Community colleges usually allow high school students to take their courses on a dual-enrollment basis.

• Many art colleges offer residential and non-residential, long and short-term courses for high school students during the summer months. Summer programs not only provide concentrated instruction leading to the creation of portfolio-ready work, but also a preview of life as a college art student. For information about Ringling's summer program, visit www.ringling.edu/precollege.

As important as the portfolio is, academics also matter! Art colleges do review transcripts carefully. We encourage students to take strong college-prep curriculum in high school, to challenge themselves with the most rigorous coursework they can handle.